I also feel like it's easier to get into powerlifting. One could step on the platform at any stage of their development as a lifter, but I think it's fair to say that lots of people would be wary of stepping onstage if they weren't yet satisfied with their muscularity or bodyfat levels. I know I wouldn't.

In regards to your last comment: Two birds/one stone, size/strength....have you seen the top PL'ers? They're well conditioned, lean, and muscular. So absolutely-yes. Since you me mentioned 5/3/1, check out Jim Wendler's new book "Beyond 5/3/1" It's pretty awesome

Originally Posted by herderdude

Gotta jump in with Sean on this one.

I also feel like it's easier to get into powerlifting. One could step on the platform at any stage of their development as a lifter, but I think it's fair to say that lots of people would be wary of stepping onstage if they weren't yet satisfied with their muscularity or bodyfat levels. I know I wouldn't.

Originally Posted by Rodja

Pretty much all of the top-tier raw lifters are big and lean.

Thanks for the feedback, all of you; and yes I've seen the beasts who could (and do) realistically transition from platform to stage and win shows, Konstantinovs, Kroc, and Lilly are my most admired, obviously for the strength, but for representing both sides of the spectrum when it comes to balancing strength/size/conditioning.

I have a bodybuilder's mentality when it comes to diet/conditioning, and that wouldn't change if I opt to enter powerlifting. Who doesn't want to be strong, big and lean to the best of their ability?

Herder hit the nail on the head with regards to stage anxieties, its something that I could see myself experiencing, but on the platform the dynamic just seems so different and much more personal, you compete against yourself.

Really awesome workout today. actually having my schedule allow 2 days of rest may have helped. I have my thoughts on the squat form, but if you guys have any pointers it would be appreciated. That was a very hard 5 for me. Still working on my wrapping technique.
This was my first time trying this GM variation. Felt like the pin was a hair low so it war hard, but up one felt too easy. Definitely nice for the rotation of GM madness.

I was supposed to do a lunge variation but I was smoked from the squats and GMs; hence the 1 leg angle press. Time to move up in weight on the cable crunch. Tomorrow is Bodybuilding and weakness training. I may not do a press outside of shoulder press to see if that helps with some of the soreness I get benching.

Tomorrow is the day America was birthed. 237 years old...doesn't seem a day over 200.

I think bench was going right today because even my legs felt sore by the end. I am making Sunday my bench day all the time because I can actually workout with some more experienced lifters on Sundays. I figure it is in my best interest to take that time.

This workout felt awesome. Added some bands...bc I wanted to. I was thinking about my last deadlift session and I got to thinking that...maybe it wasn't all the bar, maybe I am weaker from the shins up with out that power off the floor. I can see the bar making a difference, but not as drastic as it felt. To work on this more is is why I really added the bands. Main thing I am trying to do, and I haven't successfully on this day, is work on getting that last 6-8inches of the lift all with pulling the hips to the bar instead of using my upper back or more legs. It is in the tutorial I posted. It can take inches off the ROM. Still working on it. I did many sets to build up so I got a lot of practice.

Looked to me that the bar was out in front of ya a little bit too. Could be because of the bands, but I think you could have kept it tighter. That would have cleaned you up some and kept you back/tighter and let your hips drop a little as well.

Looked to me that the bar was out in front of ya a little bit too. Could be because of the bands, but I think you could have kept it tighter. That would have cleaned you up some and kept you back/tighter and let your hips drop a little as well.

That does happen when I start breaking down. I've noticed that on a session awhile back. I'll keep it in mind next dead session. Pretty sure it's DE from the floor which is good and bad for form check(good bc from floor, bad bc light weights so easier to do right).

Yep. If form is breaking down keeping that bar as tight as F'n possible will help minimize it. Honestly if I had to pick the most important thing to teach/do when pulling that would be it. I'd love to discuss form with you more but I am a die hard conventional puller, as you know, and know about as much about sumo as anyone else, and probably less.

So I came across this at lunch break. Very motivating to me as a person who isn't close to a good PL gym and has a hectic schedule so workout partners are hard to keep consistent even if they are good.

Killer ****ing workout! First time with 225 on my back for good mornings(well kinda) and it was rough! Doing box squats were really helping me load the hamstrings and sit back. They were hard. I did explode up but not at all down. I tried to video but it ended up a crotch shot sooo I don't like you guys that much. First time on Hack Squats in forever and they feel a lot like front squats...easier of course. Core getting stronger by the week.